The aroma of bubbling cheese mingled with savory ground beef and tender potatoes wafts through the air like a warm embrace from your favorite blanket. Imagine diving into a creamy, cheesy hamburger potato casserole that beckons you with promises of deliciousness and nostalgic comfort.

This delightful dish brings me back to my childhood kitchen where family gatherings meant laughter, stories, and of course, my mom’s famous casserole. Perfect for cozy nights or potlucks with friends, this hearty meal guarantees smiles all around as it warms both bellies and hearts.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cheesy hamburger potato casserole is a crowd-pleaser that makes meal prep a breeze
- It combines mouthwatering flavors in one dish for easy serving
- The vibrant layers create an enticing presentation that will impress your guests
- Perfect for feeding a hungry family or bringing to a potluck party
I still remember the look on my friend Sarah’s face when she dug into this casserole at our last dinner party; her eyes lit up like fireworks!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option; it keeps the dish juicy without excess grease.
- Potatoes: I prefer russet potatoes for their fluffy texture; they absorb flavors wonderfully while baking.
- Onion: Fresh onions add depth; sauté them until golden brown to enhance sweetness.
- Cheddar Cheese: Grate sharp cheddar for extra flavor; it melts beautifully into gooey goodness.
- Milk: Whole milk creates creaminess; you can substitute with half-and-half for an even richer sauce.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning elevate the flavors perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped onions until they turn golden brown and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper; cook until browned and no longer pink—approximately 7 minutes.
Layer the Potatoes: Thinly slice potatoes and layer half in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the onion mixture over them.
Combine Cheese Sauce: In a bowl, mix milk with garlic powder and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined—this will be your creamy sauce.
Add More Layers!: Pour half of the cheese mixture over potatoes in the baking dish. Repeat layering with remaining potatoes, onion mixture, and cheese sauce.
Bake Away!: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil and sprinkle remaining cheddar on top; bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.
Now you have created a cheesy hamburger potato casserole masterpiece! Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving so all those delicious layers can settle together nicely.
You Must Know
- The cheesy hamburger potato casserole not only fills your belly but also warms your soul
- Its delightful aroma and creamy texture create the perfect comfort dish that everyone will adore, making it a family favorite at dinner gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef first, then layer your potatoes and cheese while it simmers for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients like adding veggies or using a different cheese blend to suit your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a perfectly creamy casserole, ensure you properly layer your cheese and potatoes
- Avoid overcooking the meat, as it can become tough
- Finally, let it sit for a few minutes after baking to set before serving
Creating this cheesy hamburger potato casserole brings back fond memories of family dinners where everyone fought over the last bite. It’s always a hit with my friends who can’t resist its cheesy goodness!
FAQ
Can I use leftover cooked burger meat?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked burger meat works wonderfully in this casserole.
How do I make it spicier?
Add jalapeños or hot sauce to give your casserole a spicy kick.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day before and bake it when ready.

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting blend of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- salt
- pepper
- garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground beef to the skillet; season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned (approximately 7 minutes).
- Thinly slice potatoes and layer half in the baking dish. Top with half of the onion mixture.
- In a bowl, mix milk with garlic powder and half of the cheddar cheese to create a creamy sauce.
- Pour half of the cheese mixture over the potatoes. Repeat layering with remaining potatoes, onion mixture, and cheese sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheddar on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole (approximately 245g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg